What is spirulina

Spirulina, a microalgae belonging to the cyanobacteria family, is renowned for its striking green-blue color and nutritional profile. This organism thrives in both fresh and saltwater environments, forming cylindrical, filamentous, multicellular, and spirally twisted colonies. Recognized for its health-promoting properties since the time of the Aztecs, who have harvested Spirulina from Lake Texcoco in Mexico, utilizing it as a food source for its incredible nutrient density and health benefits. Fast forward to today, Spirulina has been a staple in human nutrition for centuries. It gained modern popularity when NASA considered it a viable food source for astronauts due to its ability to produce energy from sunlight through photosynthesis, similar to plants.¹

Nutritional profile

Spirulina boasts a remarkable nutritional profile that sets it apart as a superfood. Comprising 60–70%² protein by dry matter content, it stands out not only for its high protein concentration but also for its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids—particularly gamma-linolenic acid—and other bioactive components.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlights that just one tablespoon (approximately 7 grams) of dried spirulina provides:³

• 20.3 calories
• 4.02 g of protein
• 1.67 g of carbohydrate
• 0.54 g of fat

Beyond macronutrients, it offers a generous suite of minerals including:

• 8.4 milligrams (mg) of calcium
• 2 mg of iron
• 13.6 mg of magnesium
• 8.26 mg of phosphorous
• 95.2 mg of potassium
• 73.5 mg of sodium
• 0.7 mg of vitamin C

Spirulina is like a mini treasure chest of minerals, offering a cocktail of essential minerals like calcium for bones, iron for blood health, and magnesium for muscles, plus a bit of vitamin C which is great for immune system. And that is all in just a single tablespoon of green super-powder.

Spirulina and its potential effects on dog allergies

Here are some key takeaways from several researches how spirulina may support dog in allergies:

Immune Response and Gut Health – Spirulina supplementation in dog diets has been observed to significantly boost the immune system and improve gut health.⁴

Skin Health and Gut Microbiota – Spirulina has been shown to promote healthier gut microbiota, and as a result it may enhance the skin and coat condition, reflecting the overall health status of the dog.⁵

Collagen Production and Skin Regeneration – study suggests that Spirulina may boost the production of growth factors in dermal fibroblast cells, which are crucial for collagen synthesis and skin regeneration.⁶

Metabolic Health – Spirulina exhibits hypolipidemic (fat-reducing), hypoglycemic (blood sugar-reducing), and antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering) properties. These effects are beneficial for managing and preventing metabolic disorders in dogs, contributing to a healthier, more balanced physiological state.⁷

According to the latest clinical research, consuming Spirulina has no health risks, as it has been classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Selecting a quality spirulina supplement for dogs

Wholistic Pet Organics Spirulina Dog & Cat, 3-oz bottle

This product contains a mix of ingredients aimed at supporting joint health and overall well-being in pets, including glucosamine from shellfish, MSM for joint health, omega fatty acids for skin and coat, spirulina for immune support, bee pollen for nutrients, and green-lipped mussel as an additional joint support component. These ingredients work together to support various aspects of a pet’s health, emphasizing joint care and immune system support.⁸

Reviews⁹

Pros:

• Improves coat shine and gastrointestinal health.
• Reduces aches, increases energy, and diminishes gas.
• Easy to mix with food, with most dogs enjoying the taste.

Cons:

• Strong, unpleasant smell noted in a recent purchase, making it difficult for some owners to use.
• Can be messy to use, with recommendations to keep the container in a ziplock bag.
• One user noted it did not help with their dog’s allergic itch.
• Staining of counters, fingers, and clothing due to the deep dark green powder, though it washes off.

Overall Sentiment: Most reviews are positive, highlighting improvements in dogs’ health, energy, and coat condition after using the spirulina supplement. However, a few users noted issues with smell, messiness, and effectiveness for specific conditions.

Notable Quotations:

• “His coat is shiny again, I’ve noticed he appears to have less aches… his gas disappeared & he’s gotten back some of the youthful energy…” – sm
• “Unfortunately, for my dog it did nothing for her allergic itch…” – arabitis
• “Something must have changed, because I don’t even remember it having any smell the first two times… Almost like a very strong damp/moldy smell.” – ImOnAmazon

Dr. Mercola, SpiruGreen, for Cats and Dogs (180 Tablets), with Organic Spirulina and Microalgae,Organic Spirulina, Non GMO, Soy Free, Gluten Free

Dr. Mercola’s SpiruGreen for Cats and Dogs is a finely crafted supplement, ensuring your pets receive the utmost care and nutritional support. Packaged in a bottle containing 180 tablets, this product stands out with its commitment to natural, premium-quality ingredients, specifically designed to enhance the well-being of your furry friends. Every tablet is a blend of organic Spirulina and Microalgae, delivering a potent combination of 485mg of Organic Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and 15mg of Microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) per tablet. These active ingredients, coupled with Silicon Dioxide as an inactive component, are meticulously selected to meet Dr. Mercola’s high standards for GMO-free, gluten-free, and soy-free formulations.¹⁰

Reviews summary¹¹

Pros:

• Effective in improving gut health and tolerating food better, especially in pets with sensitive stomachs or health conditions.
• Enhances energy levels and playfulness in pets.
• Contributes to healthier, shinier fur.
• Trusted brand, with ingredients supported by holistic veterinarians.

Cons:

• Some pets may dislike the taste, requiring creative methods of administration.
• A reported issue with packaging, specifically a broken bottle upon delivery.

Sample reviews¹¹:

“From the first dose, she has been able to tolerate wet food much better.” – Kindle Customer

“Both my dogs seem to have more energy and their fur is super shiny and soft.” – AvidReader72

“Dr. Mercola used to be my doctor… I trust him with our lives.” – StephieJC

Sustainable, European-Grown Spirulina for Dogs | Borvo Nutrients

The product contains pure, organic Spirulina platensis powder from Europe, totaling 70 grams. Its bioavailable compounds include essential amino acids, magnesium, B vitamins, calcium, polysaccharides, and antioxidants.¹³

Reviews summary¹⁴

Pros:

• Significant improvements in pets’ coat health and gastrointestinal function.
• Increases in energy, especially noted in older dogs.
• Supplements are easy to administer, with pets enjoying the taste.
• Fast shipping and positive customer service experiences.
• Specific benefits include reducing allergies and detoxifying the kidneys.

Cons:

• No negative aspects were directly mentioned in the reviews provided.

Overall Sentiment: The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with pet owners highly satisfied with the impact of Seaweed for Dogs’ supplements on their pets’ health. The effectiveness, quality, and customer service of the company are frequently praised.

Notable Quotations:

• “It has made a big difference in my dog’s coat looks a lot more healthier…” – Tom M.D.
• “My dogs has seasonal allergies so it was the perfect timing when we found Spirulina by Seaweedfordogs!” – Laura V.
• “Since then, the results have been astonishing. She is more energetic, more playful…” – Ian M.

Can I give human designed spirulina supplement to dogs?

Giving human-designed spirulina supplements to dogs is generally considered safe, as spirulina itself is a non-toxic algae. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. The appropriate dosage for dogs can differ significantly from humans due to differences in size, metabolism, and dietary needs. It’s essential to adjust the dosage accordingly to avoid potential side effects. Moreover, some human spirulina supplements might contain additional ingredients that are not safe for dogs. For instance, xylitol, a common sweetener in human supplements, is toxic to dogs. The quality of spirulina can vary greatly. High-quality, contaminant-free spirulina is essential since dogs are more sensitive to pollutants and toxins that can be present in lower-quality products.

Summary

In conclusion, spirulina stands out as a versatile supplement that can support dogs in managing allergies, thanks to its comprehensive nutritional profile and health-promoting properties. Whether for boosting the immune system, improving skin health, or supporting metabolic functions, spirulina offers a natural way to enhance the well-being of our canine companions. Studies suggest spirulina can significantly enhance the immune response, gut health, skin condition, and metabolic health in dogs. These effects are crucial for dogs suffering from allergies, as they help in reducing symptoms and promoting a healthier, more balanced physiological state.

When selecting a spirulina supplement for dogs, it’s important to choose products designed specifically for pets, considering their unique nutritional needs and sensitivities. Wholistic Pet Organics, Dr. Mercola’s SpiruGreen, and Borvo Nutrients are among the brands that offer spirulina-based products with positive reviews from pet owners. These supplements have shown to improve coat shine, gastrointestinal health, and energy levels, with minimal reported side effects.

1. https://www.doz.pl/czytelnia/a11714-Wlasciwosci_i_zastosowanie_spiruliny#:~:text=Spirulina%20to%20mikroskopijna%20alga%20z,lipidowego%20i%20gospodarki%20węglowodanowej%20organizmu ↩︎
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8192834 ↩︎
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324027 ↩︎
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8192834/ ↩︎
5. ↩︎
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/spirulina-benefits-skin ↩︎
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5274660/ ↩︎
8. https://www.chewy.com/wholistic-pet-organics-spirulina-dog/dp/878078?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Wholistic%20Pet%20Organics&utm_campaign=20648416049&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAx_GqBhBQEiwAlDNAZuPzUtzgvsqyOzXC3ntVOqu_10QesGmjPKHkoeQbdd7GswOtpLYOnxoCNe8QAvD_BwE ↩︎
9. https://www.amazon.com/Wholistic-Pet-Organics-Spirulina-Dogs/dp/B001LNW8FK?th=1 ↩︎
10. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Mercola-SpiruGreen-Cats-Dogs/dp/B005IWQHG6/ref=asc_df_B005IWQHG6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241894907660&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15705813061016908743&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9067609&hvtargid=pla-403271258575&psc=1&mcid=ba9d168ed46b31d1881796ab3038c2c3&gclid=CjwKCAiAx_GqBhBQEiwAlDNAZs-CVbY3jhQEjHN3VarjngoQvA9CHuK-ivLNHwwsR30O-rpGZG2ZFRoCeTQQAvD_BwE ↩︎
11. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Mercola-SpiruGreen-Cats-Dogs/dp/B005IWQHG6 ↩︎
12. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Mercola-SpiruGreen-Cats-Dogs/dp/B005IWQHG6 ↩︎
13. https://seaweedfordogs.com/en-us/products/european-spirulina-for-dogs-borvo-nutrients ↩︎
14. https://seaweedfordogs.com/products/european-spirulina-for-dogs-borvo-nutrients ↩︎